A car window cleaner is totally different from the ones that you are using for household. Car window cleaner contains contains no ammonia, and is more effective on the glass. Modifying your car has been a popular pastime for many years. By modifying your car you are able to put your own unique personal touches on the vehicle to make it stand out from the rest. There are many cosmetic modifications that don’t make the car run any different, but then that’s not the point 90 percent of the time! More often car modification is done just to make your car look better or give it a more aggressive race like appearance. These types of modification are simple and will make your car stand out from the rest with very little work. As for the cost of car modifications, that is an altogether different story. Parts are freely available off the shelf from companies such as Spareco, Koni and Spax. For example you can buy Spax suspension, Janspeed exhausts, Momo rims and steering wheels, body kits, light alloy pedals, leather or led lit gear knobs, Corbeau race seats and even race harnesses.
Getting
a new set of wheels for your vehicle is a popular choice. There are
many alloy wheel styles to choose from. Another popular modification is
having your windows tinted. Tinted windows can help keep the glare from
the sun out and also makes it harder for others to see into the car.
I.C.E or In Car Entertainment is vital to any car modification project.
Enhancing your cars audio is extremely popular and the range of products
and options available provide DIY car modifiers with a world of
choices. Products to choose from include the popular iPod Car Adapter
kits, USB, CD & MP3 Stereos and, multi CD changers, front and rear
parking sensors (some have video), plus the leads, tv screens and tools
required to fit everything. Leading brands include: JVC, Dension,
Panasonic, Connects2, Dashmount, Parrot, Alpine, Autoleads, Kenwood,
Pioneer & Sony.
Today car navigation systems such as Motevo,
TomTom, Garmin and Pioneer navigation systems are key ingredients when
modifying a car. Even satellite or GPS Navigation systems come in
hundreds of shapes and sizes. The main types of in-car navigation
systems are in-dash mounted navigation systems, portable GPS systems,
hand held systems, motorcycle and marine systems and finally the remote
navigation systems where the GPS system is plugged in to your car radio
for instance. When buying a new GPS system its often better to opt for
higher resolution screens as they make the map information easier to
see. Large memory and a decent control chip make for smooth and
efficient operating, the last thing you need is slow loading and in
accurate positioning. Most GPS systems have large touch screens, working
with a stylus can be tricky so it does help and lastly pay particular
attention to how visible and mobile you wish your model to be. If it’s a
permanent fixture in your car then bigger models are great, but if you
need to take it in doors after use, a smaller model may be the answer.
Car security is a factor not only when modifying your vehicle but also
when insuring a car with lots of expensive audio equipment in it. Phone
you current car insurance company and find out what you can do before
your insurance starts costing you more. They will no doubt also require
an upgrade to your car security system and there are simply so many
companies out there the likes of Viper, Tracker and Clifford. They all
sell various systems such as standard car alarms, remote car start
systems and GPS tracking systems. GPS stands for Global Positioning
Systems. Professional fitment is recommended and car security shoppers
should always insist on a certificate of fitment from the dealer fitting
the car security system.
If you want to give your car a sporty
look without spending a fortune you can have racing mesh fitted for the
front bumper of your car. This looks good and can also improve the
airflow around the engine compartment. “Eyebrow extensions” is another
way to customise your car. These extensions are usually plastic and are
fitted to your car’s head lamps. You can get these in a variety of
colours and are relatively inexpensive. Car engine mapping is also
relatively cheap to have done and performance gains can be substantial.
It is recommended that you have engine mapping performed by competent,
well known companies as they are best able to advise you of other
crucial safety features you should improve when doing so. Up-rated
brakes being one of them and more expensive tyres make for better high
speed performance and traction to handle the additional engine power.
Consider upgrading the oil you use in your engine when you have this
done and use an high quality performance air filter, fuel filter and
also replace all perished water and oil hoses frequently, if you haven’t
already done so. Engine mapping or chipping is basically re-programming
your cars CPU and it is given new instructions on how to fuel your
engine. The more power you ask for the more gas / petrol your mapping
will request along with other parameters such as increasing the airflow
to the engine by tricking the motor into thinking the air is colder,
this produces more power. All this power comes at a cost though. Most
cars that have upgraded their engine management systems do so for more
power, not efficiency and in doing so use more fuel and rev higher too.
Cam belts should be replaced more frequently and if you plan any engine
modifications have a word with the manufacturers about what you plan to
do.
There are many things that can be done to modify a car. An
entire industry has been created by the need for body styling, engine
tuning, lowered suspension and big bore exhausts. Any part of a car can
be modified and making modifications is a statement of individuality and
personal style. The most popular cars for modifying are usually small,
low insurance group hatches. Always update your car insurance company
with the latest modifications to ensure your cover is not withdrawn due
to something you thought may be OK which they do not. Other insurances
like car breakdown cover and gap insurance cover should not be affected
by modifying your car, unlike your car warranty policy which will almost
certainly be affected. Give your car warranty company a call and make
sure your cover will still be provided before you make any changes.
Popular Cars to Modify
Peugeot
All of the cars from Peugeot are popular cars to modify. You can
even modify the 106, 206, and 306 pugs. The Peugeot 306 GTi is one of
the most popular hatches to modify and tune. You can find a wide range
of 306 body kits and tuning parts. Second hand Peugeot vehicles are
reasonable and can be found almost everywhere. The insurance group
starts off low so it makes it affordable for most. These cars have the
potential to make a street racer that you can be proud of.
Citroen Saxo
The Citroen Saxo is one of the most modified cars because there is
loads of modifying parts available. You can find everything from body
kits to suspension. A popular choice for modifying is the Saxo VTR
because it can go from 0 to 60 in less than ten seconds. It also is very
fuel efficient and takes corners well. There are plenty of places to
get parts and garages that work on them. You can modify a Citroen Saxo
to be a real head turner.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the cheapest and easiest cars to
modify. They are also very cheap to insure even when they have been
modified. Parts are readily available and they are reasonably priced.
The Corsa B is a definite favourite for modifying.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has always been a popular car to modify. It has
grown in popularity due to the film, “The Fast and The Furious.” The
Honda Civic EK is one of the more popular hatches to modify. You can
find a wide variety of Honda Civic body kits and tuning parts.
VW Golf
The VW Golf can be modified to look cool and there are plenty of
parts available for the later Golf’s. Volkswagen Golf VR6 is a poplar
car to modify and there are plenty of body kits and tuning parts
available.
Famous Cars
Some modified cars
have become popular because of being in a film or on a TV show. Some are
noted for their superior performance and some are known for the
celebrity driving them. Below are a few of the cars that are considered
icons today.
1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback
was the star of the 2000 film “Gone in 60 Seconds.” In this film the
car does some unbelievable stunts, including jumping over 15 feet of
cars.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle became famous in the
“Herbie” series films. Herbie was a little Beetle with a Porsche 356
engine who gave the big boys a run for their money.
1969 Dodge Charger
became a muscle car icon through the television series, “The Dukes of
Hazzard.” It had a confederate flag painted on the roof and the doors
were welded shut. The modified Charger R/T, called the General Lee
seemed to be always airborn.
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
was made popular by the television series, “Knight Rider.” The modified
Trans Am known as KITT was a hyper intelligent crime fighting
automobile. This car could do everything including, see, hear and smell.
1974 Ford Gran Torino
was made famous in the television series, “Starsky and Hutch.” It was a
powerful muscle car with a 351 Cleveland and 4 barrel Holley
carburetor. It was driven hard by two California detectives in the
series.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was made
famous in the series of “Smokey and the Bandit” films. It was a powerful
6.6 liter 200hp muscle car that everyone wants to own.
1970 Dodge Charger
was just one of the many fast modified cars in the film, “The Fast and
The Furious.” This is a classic move that all gear heads love to watch
over and over.
2003 Mini Cooper S-R53 was made
famous in the 2003 film, “The Italian Job.” This little mite packed a
supercharged 1.6L Tritect engines and was involved in some intense chase
scenes.
1979 Ferrari 308 GTS was made into an
icon by the television series, “Magnum PI.” The mid-engine V8Ferrari was
featured in the original series. The show and the amazing performance
of the 255hp GTS made people flock to the nearest dealer to buy one in
the 1980’s.
There is a downside to modifying your car. If you don’t have a specialist or someone experienced in modifying your particular make and model of car, you may be wasting your money. You need to select the right combination of modification to gain the most out of your car. If you select the wrong combination you will have spent a lot of money for nothing. Another thing you should remember is modifications to your car may affect the warranty. It will also make your insurance premiums higher. You also have to be aware that some engine modifications can violate regulations and emission laws. You have to make sure that any modifications to your car are safe and won’t disrupt the reliability and stability of the vehicle. Sometimes modified engines are often touchy and require premium fuel.
It is easy to get caught up in the whole modification process and end up modifying the car too much. The rule of thumb should be; less is more. Otherwise you will spend huge amounts of money, which could add up to more than the car is worth. Also, if it is over modified it can be hard to sell and most dealers won’t offer a deal to do a trade in for the car. Just keep these factors in mind when you are going to modify your car to express your style and personality.
Enjoy your new car!
Stephanie Andrew writes and publishes articles for SEO
consultants ePage Solutions whose clients include Future 45 Ltd. –
helping UK motorists save money on their gap insurance by buying direct
from the insurer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Andrew/621730
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